Carpet cleaner

Abstract: An aqueous cleaning composition for carpets, rugs, and textiles has been discovered with the composition comprising sodium lauryl sulfate, an ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, a fluorosurfactant, a carboxylated polymer salt, and a tetrasodium ethlyenediamine tetraacetate. The composition is effective in removing a variety of stains from carpeting and is particularly effective against oily stains without imparting undesirable properties on the cleaned surface.

Description: This invention relates to cleaning compositions particularly useful in removing stains from rugs, carpets, and textiles. A wide variety of carpet cleaning and anti-soiling compositions are available for do-it-yourself carpet cleaning. Fluorochemical compounds have been described in the prior art as useful in treating textiles, such as carpets, to impart oil and water repellency and soil resistance. AU-B-0 042 875 describes aqueous carpet cleaning compositions comprising a particular combination of perfluoro polymers and a non-ionic, anionic or amphoteric surfactant, at a pH of 4.0 to 9.5. Although these compositions have found commercial success, there is a continuing need for alternative formulations offering an increased cleaning potential for a variety of stains, particularly oily stains. In formulating a new carpet cleaning composition, it is particularly challenging to impart a new property into an existing composition without destroying other worthwhile properties of the composition. One problem encountered when carpet has been treated with a cleaning composition is that frequently the treated portion of the carpet becomes more sensitive to resoiling than the untreated portions of the carpet. Consequently, the resoiling of the treated portion of the carpet occurs more quickly for "cleaned" carpet as opposed to untreated carpet. Another problem commonly associated with carpet cleaning compositions is that the carpet is left with a "sticky" residue such that the "softness" of the carpet deteriorates after cleaning. Additionally, other undesirable properties include damage to the carpet by spotting, colour loss or leaving an undesirable residue. There remains a need for alternative cleaning compositions useful in removing a variety of spots, particularly oily type stains from carpet, and other textiles, without imparting undesirable properties. The need discussed above has been alleviated with the discovery of an aqueous cleaning composition having a pH level falling with a range of from 4 to 9.5 comprising: (a) from 0.75% to about 1.15% by weight of sodium lauryl sulfate; (b) from 0.65% to about 0.85% by weight ethylene glycol monohexyl ether; (c) from 0.025% to 0.1% by weight of a fluorinated surfactant selected from a mixture of (i) a perfluoropropionate of formula I F(CF 2 ) n -CH 2 CH 2 -S-CH 2 CH 9 -COOLi wherein n is an integer having a value of 6 to 12;and (ii) a perfluoroalkyl phosphate of formula II, wherein n is an integer having a value of 6 to 12, and the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) being from 1:1 to 1:2, and (d) from 0.3% to 0.45% by weight of a chelating agent selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, N-hydroxyethylethyienediaminetriacetic acid, sodium or potassium salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, wherein said weight percentages are based on the total active ingredient weight of the aqueous composition, characterised in that the composition further comprises: (e) from 0.025% to 0.05% by weight of a styrene maleic anhydride polymer. The inventive compositions are stable and are particularly effective in removing a variety of stains from carpeting without contributing to undesirable properties commonly associated with carpet cleaning compositions. One particular group of stains that may be substantially removed from textiles using the inventive compositions are oily stains. The inventive compositions are useful in cleaning textiles as well as rugs and carpets. Additionally, prevention of resoiling and stain and dirt repellency are observed as attributes of the composition. The sodium lauryl sulfate component is widely available commercially. It is employed in a range of 0.75% to 1.15% by weight, preferably 0.8% to 1% by weight, and more preferably from 0.85% to 0.9% by weight % (active ingredient), with all weight percentages herein based on the total weight of the composition. The ethylene glycol monohexyl ether is also widely available and is employed within a range of from 0.65% to 0.85% by weight, preferably from 0.7% to 0.8% by weight, and more preferably about 0.75% by weight (active ingredient). The fluorinated surfactant acts primarily as an anti-soiling and anti-staining agent and is a mixture of a perfluoropropionate of Formula I and a perfluoroalkyl phosphate of II, where Formula I is: F(CF 2 ) n -CH 2 CH,-S-CH 2 CH 2 -COOLi wherein n is an integer having a value of 6 to 12 and may be identified as an α -{2-[(2-carboxyethyl)thio]ethyl}-ω-fluoro-poly-(difluoromethylene) lithium salt, and where Formula II is a mono/diethanolamine salt of a perfluoroalkyl phosphate as represented by the general formula: wherein n is an integer having a value of 6 to 12. The weight ratio of the perfluoropropionate of Formula I to the perfluoroalkyl phosphate of Formula II in the mixture is in the range of from 1:1 to 1:2, and the amount of the mixture employed in the composition is from 0.025% to 0.1% by weight, preferably about 0.1% by weight (active ingredient). Such a mixture may be purchased from E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. under the chemical name ZONYL™ 7950. The composition also contains a styrene maleic anhydride polymer, available commercially such as, for example, ZELAN™ 338, from E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. This ingredient is employed in an amount from 0.025% to 0.05% by weight, and preferably from 0.03% to 0.04% by weight (active ingredient). The chelating agent(s) used are aminopolycarboxylic acid compounds in which the amino nitrogen has attached thereto two or more substituent groups. They are the acids and potassium or sodium salts of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) and mixtures thereof. Most preferred is tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Na 4 EDTA). The chelating agent is used in an amount ranging from 0.3% to 0.45% by weight, preferably from 0.35% to 0.4% by weight, and more preferably from 0.37% to 0.39% by weight (active ingredient). The compositions of the invention may include optional ingredients for performing specifically desired functions such as sequestrates, e.g: citric acid, sodium hexametaphosphate, and the like; organic liquid solvents for water-soluble stains, e.g., monohydric aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; corrosion inhibitors such as citric acid, formaldehyde (formalin), sodium citrate, sodium nitrate, ammonia, and so on; preservatives, such as methyl- and ethylparaben, 1,2-benzoisothiazole-3(2H)-ones (including the preservative KATHON™ CG-ICP, available from Rohm and Haas). The compositions of the invention are formulated as aqueous solutions or emulsions and can be dispensed for use as liquids using conventional dispensing devices such as squeeze bottles fitted with a suitable dispensing nozzle or containers fitted with trigger spray pumps which are well known in the art. The pH of the aqueous compositions of the invention falls within a range of from 4 to 9.5, preferably from 5 to 8, and more preferably between 6 and 7. If the composition requires an pH adjustment to fall within this range, known pH adjusting agents may be employed. The composition may be prepared using conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art. The composition is a substantially clear liquid having the viscosity similar to that of water and may be stored as a stable liquid for extended periods. Carpets are cleaned by applying the composition directly on the carpet, by spraying for example, followed by rubbing the sprayed area with a suitable device, such as, for example, a clean damp cloth or sponge mop, with rinsing of the device until the stain or soil is removed. Textiles may also be cleaned by the composition in a similar manner. The composition of the invention is illustrated by the following examples of specific formulations without, however, being limited thereto. EXAMPLES Formulas A and C (Formula C is beyond the scope of the invention) were prepared by techniques familiar to those skilled in the art using ingredients as shown in the Tables. Formulas A and C were each tested for stability for C weeks at room temperature, 41°C (105°F), 49°C (120°F) and 4°C (40°F). Additionally, the formulas were subjected to a freeze-thaw test for 3 cycles (thaw for 24 hours after freezing). All tests results for Formulas A and C showed the formulas as stable. COMPONENT WT% Water q.s. Sodium lauryl sulfate (29%) 3 Ethylene glycol monohexyl ether 0.75 Isopropyl Alcohol 2 Fluorinated Surfactant (25%) 0.4 Carboxylated Polymer Salt (25%) 0.15 Tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (38%) 1 Fragrances 0.2 Preservative 0.05 Citric Acid 0.11 pH = >6.5 COMPONENT WT% Water D.I. q.s. Sodium lauryl sulfate (29%) 3 Ethylene glycol monohexyl ether 0.75 Isopropyl Alcohol 2 Fluorinated Surfactant (25%) 0.5 Carboxylated Polymer Salt (25%) 0.15 Tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (38%) 1 Fragrances 0.2 Preservative 0.08 Citric Acid 0.11 pH ≈6.5 Test Carpets DuPont STAINMASTER™ CHAMPLIN Almond DuPont STAINMASTER™ CHAMPLIN Ocean Blue DuPont STAINMASTER™ CHAMPLIN Embers DuPont STAINMASTER™ CHAMPLIN Golf Green Philadelphia MAINSTREET™ Cottonseed Philadelphia MAINSTREET™ Imperial Red Philadelphia MAINSTREET™ Smoked Blue Philadelphia MAINSTREET™ Laguna Green Etoil Wool Geranium Etoil Wool Elegan Lees Polyester Parchment Lees Polyester Bordeaux Lees Polyester Sapphire Example 1 The effect of Formula A on the color and overall appearance of each of the carpets listed in Table A was conducted. Samples of the carpets were cut in 30.5cm x 30.5cm (12" x 12") pieces. For the control, each sample of carpet was sprayed with 25 g of distilled water and then wiped 25 cycles with a white washcloth. For the testing of Formula A, 25 g of Formula A was sprayed on each sample of carpet, and then the carpet was wiped with a white washcloth for 25 cycles. All carpet samples were then allowed to dry followed by vacuuming. This procedure was repeated four times. Twenty-one panellists were selected and the control carpet samples and the carpet samples cleaned with Formula A were shown to them. The panellists were instructed that all samples (both the controls and the carpet cleaned with Formula A) had been treated with a carpet cleaner. They were then asked if treatment with the "cleaners" (i.e. water or Formula A) had damaged the carpets. Table I illustrates the panel results. Out of 21 people panelled, the number of people who gave a response 'yes' to the question on whether the carpet appeared damaged. As employed throughout the examples, when the data is analyzed using the "Chi Square method" (as described in Statistical Analysis (2nd Edition) by Samuel B. Richmond, the Ronald Press Co., New York, 1964, p. 290-303) at a 95% confidence level, 15 panellists for each product tested per carpet would have had to give a 'yes' response for there to be any significance between the products tested. As shown by the data, at most only one panellist saw a difference with the carpet cleaned by Formula A. The carpet samples cleaned with Formula A were also compared to virgin pieces of the same carpet using a Minolta CHROMOMETER™ Model C-R 110 reflectometer. Table II illustrates the reflectometer readings taken. Δ E represents the difference in reflected light between the carpets cleaned with product, and a virgin piece of the same carpet. This value has been corrected for any carpet fibre change by rubbing. A Δ E value less than 2.0 is usually undetected by the human eye. Panel Results 25 Panellists Instructed: These carpets have been treated with a carpet cleaner. After treatment with these cleaners, are these carpets damaged? Yes or No. # of Yes Responses out of 21 Panellists Carpet Water Washed Formula A DuPont: STAINMASTER CHAMPLIN Almond 0 0 STAINMASTER CHAMPLIN Ocean Blue 1 0 STAINMASTER CHAMPLIN Embers 2 0 STAINMASTER CHAMPLIN Golf Green 0 0 Philadelphia: MAINSTREET Cotton Seed 0 0 MAINSTREET Imperial Red 0 0 MAINSTREET Smoked Blue 0 0 MAINSTREET Laguna Green 0 0 Etoil: Wool Geranium 0 0 Wool Elegan 0 0 Lees: Polyester Parchment 0 0 Polyester Bordeaux 0 1 Polyester Sapphire 0 0 Reflectometer Results Carpet ΔE Formula A DuPont: STAINMASTER CHAMPLIN Almond -1.57 STAINMASTER CHAMPLIN Ocean Blue 0.69 STAINMASTER CHAMPLIN Embers -2.30 STAINMASTER CHAMPLIN Golf Green -0.17 Philadelphia: MAINSTREET Cotton Seed -0.24 MAINSTREET Imperial Red -1.47 MAINSTREET Smoked Blue 0.02 MAINSTREET Laguna Green -2.58 Etoil: Wool Geranium 0.97 Wool Elegan 2.14 Lees: Polyester Parchment 0.29 Polyester Bordeaux 0.69 Polyester Sapphire -- Example 2 The removal of feline malodor with Formula A was tested as follows. Two Philadelphia: MAINSTREET Cotton Seed carpet samples were stained with 2 g of cat urine obtained by Buckshire Labs, Perkosie, Pennsylvania. One carpet sample was left as the control. One of the carpet samples was then cleaned with 25 g of Formula A by spraying the composition on the carpet and then allowing it to set for 10 minutes. The carpet cleaned was then blotted with white paper towel until the visual stain was gone. The carpet was then dried overnight and subjected to fifteen (15) panellists thereafter. The panel was asked the question: "Is the pet stain removed?" The fifteen (15) panellists responded 'yes' the stain was removed, providing a 95% confidence level (using the Chi-Square method). Example 4 A twelve (12) key stain test was conducted using the test carpets Philadelphia MAINSTREET: Cotton Seed and STAINMASTER CHAMPLAIN: Almond. Formulas A and C were tested. For each Formula, twenty-four (24) strips of each type of carpet were treated. Two carpet strips were prepared for each stain. Lipstick, crayon and ink were drawn on individual strips of carpeting in the shape of an "X". Grape juice, wine and coffee (5 g each) were tipped via beaker on individual strips of carpeting. Tomato sauce, chocolate and salad dressing (1 gram); motor-oil and mustard (0.40 grams); and liquid make-up (0.30 grams) were applied using a spatula and 5.1cm x 5.1cm (2" x 2") square template on individual strips. One set of stains were left for 30 minutes and the other set for 7 days. Stains were cleaned with 6 grams of the appropriate formula using white washcloths and 50 strokes. This procedure was repeated for each of the Formulas A and C. After drying, thirty (30) panellists were asked to rate the carpets using the following scale: Scale 1 - No removal 2 - Slight removal 3 - Moderate removal 4 - Almost complete removal 5 - Complete removal Results: 30 Minute Stains Philadelphia Untreated Formula A Formula C Lipstick 2.92 2.63 Crayon 4.86 4.83 Ink 3.59 3.98 Make-up 3.48 3.78 Tomato Sauce 4.90 4.88 Salad Dressing 4.15 4.05 Motor Oil 3.77 3.75 Mustard 2.98 2.70 Chocolate 4.18 4.05 Grape Juice 4.22 4.10 Red Wine 3.78 3.66 Coffee 4.08 4.43 Results: 30 Minute Stains STAINMASTER Formula A Formula C Lipstick 3.80 3.42 Crayon 4.98 4.98 Ink 2.83 2.90 Make-up 3.53 3.37 Tomato Sauce 4.96 4.96 Salad Dressing 4.95 4.80 Motor Oil 4.98 4.54 Mustard 2.95 3.13 Chocolate 3.52 3.50 Grape Juice 3.65 3.27 Red Wine 3.20 3.07 Coffee 3.07 3.37 Results: 7 Day Stains Philadelphia Untreated Formula A Formula C Lipstick 3.80 3.42 Crayon 4.98 4.98 Ink 2.83 2.90 Make-up 3.53 3.37 Tomato Sauce 4.96 4.96 Salad Dressing 4.95 4.80 Motor Oil 4.98 4.54 Mustard 2.95 3.13 Chocolate 3.52 3.50 Grape Juice 3.65 3.27 Red Wine 3.20 3.07 Coffee 3.07 3.37 Results: 7 Day Stains STAINMASTER Formula A Formula C Lipstick 3.05 3.45 Crayon 4.90 4.87 Ink 3.72 3.23 Make-up 3.83 3.88 Tomato Sauce 4.66 4.71 Salad Dressing 4.73 4.62 Motor Oil 4.59 4.03 Mustard 3.83 3.89 Chocolate 3.33 2.73 Grape Juice 3.64 3.45 Red Wine 3.25 3.12 Coffee 3.15 3.07 Example 5 DuPont STAINMASTER Nylon (Color: Ocean Blue), Etoil Wool (Color: Elegan), Lees Polyester (Color: Sapphire) were tested to determine whether treatment of the carpets with Formula A left the carpet soft (desirable) or sticky (undesirable). Each of the carpets were cut into 30.5cm x 30.5cm (12" x 12") pieces. Each carpet piece was treated with 16.6 grams of Formula A and rubbed into the carpet with white paper towel for approximately 50 strokes. The carpets were then allowed to dry overnight. Twenty (20) people were panelled, asking them the following question: "Is the carpet soft, not sticky?" Table III illustrates the panel results. The table shows out of twenty (20) people panelled, how many gave a response of 'yes' to the question asked. Averaged Panel Results Panellist Response to Question "Is the carpet soft, not sticky?" Carpet # of Yes Responses # of No Responses Nylon 20 0 Wool 19 1 Polyester 19 1 Example 6 Resoiling was tested on carpeting that was cleaned with Formula A. Carpets tested were DuPont STAINMASTER CHAMPLIN: Almond and Philadelphia MAINSTREET: Cotton Seed. The test procedure involved a 30.5cm x 91.4cm (1' x 3') section of carpet (for each carpet tested). One portion of the section was used as a control. For the test, 50 grams of Formula A was sprayed on the other portion of the carpet. The product was then wiped into the carpet using clean, white absorbent cloth in the designated section, then allowed to dry. The carpet piece was then placed in hallway, rotating 180° every week, until the carpet was visually dirty. The carpet piece was then removed from hallway and vacuumed. Reflectometer readings were taken of the sections, comparing the portion cleaned with Formula A to the virgin carpet to see if Formula A resoiled more quickly than the untreated Control portion. Both types of carpets were then visually panelled by thirty (30) people using the following scale: Scale 1 = very soiled 5 = slightly soiled Visual Panel Results are shown in Table IV below. Visual Panel DuPont STAINMASTER Carpet Scale: 1 = very soiled 5 = slightly soiled 30 PANELLISTS CONTROL FORMULA A Average 4.35 3.95 The results indicate that Formula A did not contribute to resoiling but rather provided a soil repellent effect to the carpet. Reflectometer readings were also taken of the carpet sections, with results summarized in Table V below. Reflectometer Readings Δ E Values DuPont STAINMASTER Philadelphia MAINSTREET Control 6.18 3.16 Formula A 5.27 2.02

Claims: An aqueous cleaning composition having a pH level falling within a range of from 4 to 9.5 comprising: (a) from 0.75% to 1.15% by weight of sodium lauryl sulfate; (b) from 0.65% to 0.85% by weight ethylene glycol monohexyl ether; (c) from 0.025% to 0.1% by weight of a fluorinated surfactant selected from a mixture of (i) a perfluoropropionate of the Formula I F(CF 2 ) n -CH 2 CH 2 -S-CH 2 CH 2 -COOLi wherein n is an integer having a value of 6 to 12;and (ii) a perfluoroalkyl phosphate of Formula II wherein n is an integer having a value of 6 to 12; and the weight ratio of (i) to (ii) being from 1:1 to 1:2, and (d) from 0.3% to 0.45% by weight of a chelating agent selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid, sodium or potassium salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, wherein said weight percentages are based on the total active ingredient weight of the aqueous composition, characterised in that the composition further comprises: (e) from 0.025% to 0.05% by weight of a styrene maleic anhydride polymer. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said chelating agent is tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate. A composition according to claim 2 wherein (a) is present in a range from 0.8% to 1% by weight. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein (b) is present in a range from 0.65% to 0.85% by weight. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein (e) is present in a range from 0.03% to 0.04% by weight. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein (d) is present in a range from 0.35% to 0.4% by weight. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein (a) is present in an amount from 0.85% to 0.9% by weight. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein (b) is present in an amount of about 0.75% by weight. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein (c) is present in an amount of about 0.1% by weight. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein (e) is present in an amount of 0.03% to 0.04% by weight and (d) is present in an amount of 0.37% to 0.39% by weight. A composition according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said pH is between 6 and 7. A method of cleaning a rug, carpet or textile by using as a cleaning agent an aqueous cleaning composition according to any one of the preceding claims.

Inventors: PITERSKY CATHERINE ANN, RYAN TRACY ANN, PITERSKY, CATHERINE ANN, RYAN, TRACY ANN, PITERSKY, CATHERINE ANN, C/O EASTMAN KODAK CO., RYAN, TRACY ANN, C/O EASTMANN KODAK CO.
Applicants: RECKITT & COLMAN INC, RECKITT & COLMAN INC.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: C11D1
IPC codes: C11D3, C11D1